The
delegation of the International Federation for Human Rights took part in the
European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee meeting to discuss the situation
in Belarus held in Brussels on 12 January.

In his
brief address, FIDH representative Jean-Marie Rogue emphasized the current
situation with the imprisoned FIDH Vice-President Ales Bialiatski.

“The
authorities should immediately release the arrested persons and drop criminal
charges brought against them, in case they want to escape sanctions. This is a
matter of a few days, not weeks”, said Stefan Fuhle, Commissioner
responsible for enlargement and European neighbourhood policy.